The Social Security Administration administers programs that provide benefits to disabled individuals who meet the agency’s eligibility requirements. But the qualification process is complicated, and applicants frequently make unintentional mistakes when completing the claim application. These oversights and errors often cause applicants to be denied benefits.
SSA can deny a claim for many reasons, but common application mistakes lead to most applicants’ denials. By being aware of these mistakes, you may be able to avoid them when applying for your Social Security disability benefits.
Timing is Everything
The approval process for SSDI can take several months, and you can only receive benefits for a maximum of one year prior to your application. But while you don’t want to wait too long, applying too soon before you have important facts about your condition and a medical history that clearly establishes a long-term disability can result in a denial.
You’ve Provided Incomplete or Inaccurate Employment Records
SSDI is only available to those who have paid into the system long enough through their employment. In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you will need to provide the Social Security Administration with documents like W-2 forms, pay stubs, or other documentation that proves your employment eligibility. Without enough documentation to support your claim, SSA can deny your application.
You Haven’t Met SSA’s Eligibility Requirements for a Disability
SSDI benefits are only available to individuals who can prove they are totally disabled. Your condition must prevent you from doing basic physical work for at least 12 months. It must prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” that earns more than a certain monthly income. For 2023, this amount is $1470 for non-blind disabilities. For individuals who are legally blind, this amount is $2460. If you don’t meet the SSA’s definition of “full disability,” you can be denied benefits.
You’ve Provided Incomplete or Inaccurate Medical Records
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must provide the SSA with a detailed account of your disability and medical history. Your application will ask for a list of all doctors, hospitals, medical facilities, and other healthcare providers that have provided care for your condition, including dates of all your visits as well as records and treatment plans from each visit. You will also need to submit the results of any tests and the names and dosages of any medications you’ve been prescribed.
You will also be required to submit further documentation about your disability and how it affects your ability to work. Misrepresenting or withholding any information can result in claim denial.
You Haven’t Cooperated with or Followed All Your Doctor’s Orders
The SSA may require that you undergo an additional examination before making a decision. If you refuse to be examined by the doctor of their choice, you may be denied benefits. If you haven’t followed your doctor’s orders for treatment, missed appointments, failed to take your medications, or followed your physical therapy treatment, SSA can deny your claim.
Your Doctor Disagrees with Your Assessment
The SSA will require a physician’s medical evaluation of your disability. If you haven’t seen a doctor or if your doctor disagrees with your personal assessment of your condition, that doctor’s opinion can hurt your claim.
Hire an Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney to Help You Get Your Disability Benefits
Getting the help of an experienced SSDI attorney to assist you with your application can ensure that it is complete and correct before submission. If you have already received a denial, your attorney will review your paperwork and records and represent you to ensure that your appeal is more likely to be successful.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is a complex process. Any small mistake or oversight can result in a denial, requiring added time and effort to appeal. During this time, you won’t be getting the critical benefits you need to help pay for your medical and household expenses. At Silver & Silver, our experienced SSDI lawyers will help you navigate the process to help you get the benefits you need and deserve when you are unable to work. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or schedule a free consultation through our website contact form.
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This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.
